mountain biking support knife.....

[flyfishrman]

Lots of knife choices mentioned here. I'd like to second the Bear Mace. Might be a good first line of defense, the last thing you want is hand to hand(or paw) combat with a wild animal which is what you have with a knife. The only better defense would be an appropriate caliber weapon, but that wouldn't be the safest or easiest thing to carry while biking. A couple of of strips of electrical tape would fasten the mace to your bike, make it accessible and easy to pull off if you needed it.

 

[Lorien]

I'm going to get myself a pair of those valve caps which are spherical and have an eye graphic. I'm going to glue them into a couple rear vents. Haha! I've got my eyes on you!

Only in an apocalyptic world could I imagine riding around with a handgun. Either way the fuck out there for days in grizzly country maybe or something, but definitely not on a day ride. I think that's pretty paranoid in most instances.

I like the idea of taping a little can of human seasoning to the frame:thumbup:

Most animals aren't that hungry out here, but then again, their habitat is getting wiped out pdq by development. Before they're gone for good, there may be some scrappin.

 

[Mountainman38]

A knife is better than bear hands. Keep it on you, not your bike. Pepper spray or an air horn is a good plan, cause you both live.

Animals that lose their fear of man so far as to attack them when not provoked need to be destroyed. By simply driving them off, you leave the vicious animal around to attack someone possibly less able to defend themselves. (See this link http://tchester.org/sgm/lists/lion_attacks_ca.html for the year 2004 on repeat attacks.)

 

[Mountainman38]

I had a friend who was checking ranch fences when he was attacked by a cougar. It dropped from a tree in broad daylight and rushed him. Fortunately, he had a .357 in a shoulder and dropped it in one shot. After calling the Centers for Disease Control in Denver, he was told to cut off its head and send it in for testing. He did and it was rabid.

Mountain lions usually attack only from the back and they go for the base of the head, where the neck is. If it snaps that area, you've had it. Lions also sometimes try to knock larger prey off a bike and down a ravine where they know that injury is likely. One woman killed by a lion was attacked this way a number of years ago out West while jogging. She was hurt so bad that she couldn't fend the cat off.

Finally, you are FAR more vulnerable when you bend over to tie your laces, inspect your bike or make a small repair. Don't do it. If you positively have to bend over, do it next to a tree, where you'll have it to your back.

If you can wear something around the base of your neck, that also will help.

Just a few things I've picked up in the wild....

That's crazy, your friend getting attacked like that. That's amazing that he was able to draw, aim, shoot, and take out the cat! Their attacks are amazingly fast, from what I hear.

That's some good advice for watching yourself in the wilds. I'm always aware of trees I'm approaching, especially with overhanging branches, watch my kids, keep 'em close, etc. Something around the base of the neck is a good idea, too.

Of course, the odds of ever getting attacked are incredibly slim. I guess that's why I have my knife and gun in my pack -- they're not all that easy to access, but I do have them along. When I hike, I carry in a hip holster under a jacket or vest, so I can definitely get to my gun easier.

As for the woman attacked out West -- if it's the same story, she was a lady out jogging on the American River Canyon trail, about 25 miles from where I grew up, and was living at the time. She was killed and partially eaten by the lion. Sort of a wake up call for me -- I'd heard lions screaming at night back in about 1976, when we first moved to the foothills of Northern California, but have never seen one in the wild. Just as well -- I've never been attacked, either!

 

[tooouter]

If you wear a helmet, find someone who is artistic to paint a mean face on the back of it, with big eyes and teeth. They do this for tigers in India, who also attack from behind.

Now THAT is a great idea I never thought of!! I've seen cats a few times, which means they've seen me hundreds of times, so I'm definitely at risk. I work at 9,000 ft. and often bike around 11,000 ft in elevation. With air that thin, even my sig P229 is too heavy to put in my camelback. I'm absolutely painting a face on my helmet, thanks a bunch for the idea.

 

[ZJChaser]

I love my Enduro Comp. Great balance of rideability and travel, plus the disc brakes are wonderful. Here in the great northwest where it rains an awful lot, it's nice to know the brakes are going to work every time.

My thoughts of the bike exactly. I still want to huck from time to time and charge some DH but my Bullit is a tank and climbs like bowling ball. Not racing and freeriding anymore, just getting back into it for fitness so my buddy recomended the 07 Enduro line and I tried it out and loved it.. soon....

I'm curious -- what exactly did your attack victim tell you? I've thought about this situation a lot, since I live in the Pacific Northwest and hike and bike in the deep woods every chance I get. I'd be very interested to hear what they did, and if they were able to use a knife.

I think a knife is a pretty minimal defense against a mountain lion, almost useless on coyotes, and worthless against a snake. Coyotes are wary, and would most likely only attack in a large force, if at all. Snakes (unless you're wrapped in a death roll with a python) aren't good targets for a hack or slash -- better to grab some big rocks and throw them from a distance. That is, if you can't get around the snake. I pretty much feel like if I'm out in the wilds, I'm in their home and if I can avoid them, I will. Around my house -- that's a different matter. As for lions -- unless you have the knife in hand when attacked, and are VERY steady whilst being mauled/shaken, it's going to be hard to use a knife to deter a lion. Better than nothing, though.

I carry a RAT7 D2 inside the outer pouch of my Camelbak M.U.L.E., protruding slightly through the partly opened zipper. I took the leg cord off the sheath and tied it through the handle to secure the knife while chopping, and I leave this hanging outside my pack. I leave the knife unsnapped, so all I have to do is swing the pack around, grab the cord and yank it, and the knife is in my hand. This gives me a large, very sturdy, well made and effective knife to use very quickly. Of more use is the Glock 20 10mm w/15 rounds zipped in behind it. The Glock is by far my preference in a violent encounter, but it's harder to get to. I also carry a small canister of pepper spray in an elastic holster strapped to the front of my Camelbak, for use against aggressive dogs or whatever.

My thought is that you need layers of defense, so you have options very readily at hand for whatever comes up. If you live in a place where concealed weapons permits are harder to come by, you'll have to decide if the risk of carrying a gun to defend yourself, especially in places where you know people have been attacked, is worth the penalty if you have a run-in with the law and get searched.

As for D2 being brittle - I've had no problems using my RAT7 to chop all sorts of stuff. Doesn't mean it's bullet proof - just that I've used it hard and been delighted with it.

http://4cornerscup.com/2004/cougar.htm Check out that Story. It was a few years since I spoke with her and I was mistaken, it was a Cougar attack not a mt lion. I ran into Debbie Nichlos when riding Big Bear one day years ago and she rode with our group for the day. Chatted a bit about the day she had to battle with a cougar for her riding companions life. When her friend was attacked and she was left in a literal tug of war with the cougar with the other rider in the middle. None of the other riders had weapons. I figure even if it wasn't for myself, in a situation like that where the cougar already had a hold of something with intent to kill the ability to attack to cougar with a knife could have helped end the struggle much faster and minimize injury to the other rider and potentially save their life.

I have also considered the pros and cons of carrying proper defense that may or may not be allowed. IF I run into a ranger on the trail that tells me its illegal, in terms of self defense I really dont think they would complain too much but that could be a very fine line.

I agree on your view of snakes as well, I've run into plenty of them and really had no issues with them. On trail I'm normally moving along quickly enough to just hop over them without much concern or just wait till the move off trail.

The coyotes I ran into were very reluctant to move off the trail and I just sat and waited till they finally did then just rode like hell to put some space between us. Irronic I guess that I was on a trail called "Coyote Trail." go figure.

If you are swinging at a cougar, you'll have enough adrenaline going to swing it one handed...

Some good advice here, I personally like fixed blades, but some good folders do exist also. One thing you may want to try. If you wear a helmet, find someone who is artistic to paint a mean face on the back of it, with big eyes and teeth. They do this for tigers in India, who also attack from behind. You might get some snickers, but who cares? Let the lion eat them!!!!

THAT is quite the idea. While it wouldn't really work on my regular helmet I could totally do that on my fullface.

 

[stingray4540]

For self defense against mountain lions, get your CCW and carry a gun while biking!

If you live in Orange county as your location indicates, you have a very good chance of getting your carry license. The sheriff is very gun friendly and with a good "good cause" you have a good chance.

Until then, or if you can't get your CCW a knife is better than bear hands.

Do some research here www.calccw.com and pm some of the great folks there for help on forming a good "good cause" statement. A lot of the members there live in Orange County, and have there CCWs and would be glad to help you.

 

[jill jackson]

http://4cornerscup.com/2004/cougar.htm Check out that Story. It was a few years since I spoke with her and I was mistaken, it was a Cougar attack not a mt lion. I ran into Debbie Nichlos when riding Big Bear one day years ago and she rode with our group for the day. Chatted a bit about the day she had to battle with a cougar for her riding companions life. When her friend was attacked and she was left in a literal tug of war with the cougar with the other rider in the middle. None of the other riders had weapons. I figure even if it wasn't for myself, in a situation like that where the cougar already had a hold of something with intent to kill the ability to attack to cougar with a knife could have helped end the struggle much faster and minimize injury to the other rider and potentially save their life.

Mountain Lion and Cougar are two different names for the exact same animal.
The Cougar has over 40 names in English, of which Puma and Mountain Lion are popular. Other names include Catamount, Panther, Painter, and Mountain Screamer. In North America, "Panther" is used most often to refer the Florida Panther sub-population. In South America, "Panther" refers to both the spotted and black color morphs of the Jaguar, while it is also broadly used to refer to the Old World Leopard.

"Cougar" is borrowed from the Portuguese çuçuarana, via French; the term was originally derived from the Tupi language. A current form in Brazil is suçuarana. "Puma" comes from the Quechua language of Peru.

 

[Mountainman38]

Now THAT is a great idea I never thought of!! I've seen cats a few times, which means they've seen me hundreds of times, so I'm definitely at risk. I work at 9,000 ft. and often bike around 11,000 ft in elevation. With air that thin, even my sig P229 is too heavy to put in my camelback. I'm absolutely painting a face on my helmet, thanks a bunch for the idea.

If you can ride at 11,000 feet, you ARE an animal!

 

[Mountainman38]

Mountain Lion and Cougar are two different names for the exact same animal.
The Cougar has over 40 names in English, of which Puma and Mountain Lion are popular. Other names include Catamount, Panther, Painter, and Mountain Screamer. In North America, "Panther" is used most often to refer the Florida Panther sub-population. In South America, "Panther" refers to both the spotted and black color morphs of the Jaguar, while it is also broadly used to refer to the Old World Leopard.

"Cougar" is borrowed from the Portuguese çuçuarana, via French; the term was originally derived from the Tupi language. A current form in Brazil is suçuarana. "Puma" comes from the Quechua language of Peru.

Good stuff, Jill. That's some interesting information.

 

[jill jackson]

[/IMG]
Sorry picture came out so poorly.

 

[flipe8]

It might have been mentioned earlier, so my apologies if I missed it, but riding with a buddy is probably going to be a lot safer as well. Not just for the rare big cat attack, but for any likely problem in the bush. Just a thought. Also, you've probably heard the saying, "I don't have to outrun the(insert big animal here), I just have to outrun YOU"

 

[reconseed]

Microtech Amphibian

 

[Confederate]

That's crazy, your friend getting
attacked like that. That's amazing that he was able to draw, aim, shoot,
and take out the cat! Their attacks are amazingly fast, from what I hear.

Yeah, this guy was lucky and had pretty quick reflexes. Of course, you should
hear his story of his wife's hearing a noise downstairs in a brand new home. He
sneaked down with a baseball bat in hand, turned the corner and saw a man
standing there. Quick as flash he lashed out with his free hand and...baaamm!...
smashed it into a full length hanging mirror. Ha, ha! Shouldn't laugh, but he was
telling it on himself. His wife spent the rest of the night picking out bits of
glass from his knuckles.

He's a great guy, though!

 

[Mountainman38]

Sorry picture came out so poorly.

You know, I gotta say -- that's some serious hardware there! Most of the girls I know won't have anything to do with knives or guns. It's taken me three years of being married, and 2 years knowing my wife before that, for her to stop thinking I'm silly for carrying knives and a gun. Good on ya!

I particularly like that big pig sticker you have. Who makes that?

 

[Mountainman38]

Yeah, this guy was lucky and had pretty quick reflexes. Of course, you should
hear his story of his wife's hearing a noise downstairs in a brand new home. He
sneaked down with a baseball bat in hand, turned the corner and saw a man
standing there. Quick as flash he lashed out with his free hand and...baaamm!...
smashed it into a full length hanging mirror. Ha, ha! Shouldn't laugh, but he was
telling it on himself. His wife spent the rest of the night picking out bits of
glass from his knuckles.

He's a great guy, though!

That's hilarious. Glad he got that jerk!

 

[ashtxsniper]

Please do not harm them.....you are in their environment....
Those are GOD's creatures, they have to eat too.....

Ok you let them eat you, I on the other hand choose not to be a meal. Cry me a river why dont you.

They are Gods creatures and they taste like chicken. mmmmmmmmm Chicken.

 

[Smash05]

You want a 357 magnum revolver. I suggest a medium or small frame with at least a 3 inch barrell. Mountain Lion attacks are fairly rare, but it never hurts to be prepared. I would carry a full sized Griptillian folder, Fixed Griptillian, or something similar. No need to break the bank, just something functional.

 

[jill jackson]

You know, I gotta say -- that's some serious hardware there! Most of the girls I know won't have anything to do with knives or guns. It's taken me three years of being married, and 2 years knowing my wife before that, for her to stop thinking I'm silly for carrying knives and a gun. Good on ya!

I particularly like that big pig sticker you have. Who makes that?

My Dad is the one that raised me to not be afraid to protect myself and he taught me about guns and knives from an early age. Not to fear them but respect them for the useful tools they are. Guns and knives have just always been in my life and he showed me as at a very young age how a firearm works and what it does, so I never had that curiosity factor about them that gets so many kids hurt or killed. I knew and left them alone till I was old enough to handle them safely.
That big bowie is a Mulea, Arocho made in Spain with high carbon steel. Has a full pinned tang and its very fast. (put the zoom on 50% and you can see that poor picture better next time I'll get the lighting right)

 

[bikerider]

ZJ,

Where in OC do you ride? I get up into the Santa Ana's all the time and live about a mile from Whiting. I tried the fixed blade in the camelbak, but as others have mentioned access is a problem. What has worked best for me is a Native clipped to my front thigh pocket on baggy shorts. I don't even notice it while pedaling. I've also seen guys with folders clipeed to the shoulder straps on the camelbaks that would probably work as well.